Welcome to The Nutcracker
Austin Youth Classical Ballet (AYCB) & Balance Dance Studios
December 12–13, 2026 | Luxora Theater
Celebrate the holiday season with The Nutcracker in Austin, presented by Austin Youth Classical Ballet (AYCB) and Balance Dance Studios. This beloved holiday ballet brings together classical dance, music, storytelling, and the magic of live performance for an unforgettable experience for dancers and audiences alike.
For our dancers, The Nutcracker is an opportunity to bring their training to the stage, developing technique, artistry, confidence, and performance experience as part of a full-scale classical ballet production. From first-time performers to returning dancers, participating in The Nutcracker creates lasting memories, friendships, and a special holiday tradition.
The Nutcracker performances will take place December 12–13, 2026, with dress rehearsal on Thursday, December 10, at the new Luxora Theater, located inside APAX and conveniently next to Balance Dance Studios in Austin.
Nutcracker 2026 Information
This page is your central resource for Balance Dance Studios and AYCB Nutcracker 2026 information. Throughout the season, you’ll find updates on casting, rehearsal schedules, costumes, tickets, volunteer opportunities, performance details, and important dates.
Please check back regularly as we prepare to bring The Nutcracker to the Luxora Theater stage this December.
Recreational Pathway – A joyful introduction to dance that encourages creativity, confidence, and community in a low-pressure environment.
Excel Pathway– For dancers who are ready to refine their technique and take on more challenging choreography.
Explore the options below and enroll directly into any class that fits your dancer’s level and goals! Questions on which class is right for your dancer? Reach out to us at info@balancedancestudios.com!
Pre Ballet Classes
Recreational Ballet Class
Excel Level Ballet Classes
Pre Pro Level Ballet Classes
Nutcracker Quick Links
Nutcracker Program Ads
Order a Program Ad for your business or dancer! (Deadline 11/9/26)
Celebrate your dancer or highlight your business in our full-color recital program, a printed keepsake viewed by all attendees. Program ads are a meaningful way to recognize your dancer’s accomplishments or share your business with our studio community.
Gifts & Flowers
Pre-Order your dancer’s recital flowers to pick up on show day at the venue!
**COMING SOON** Fresh flowers will be available to pre-order as a special recital gift for your dancer. Pre-ordering helps ensure availability and allows for easy pickup at the venue on recital day.
Venue
Luxora Theater
4554 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78745
Luxora Theater is located inside APAX (Austin Performing Arts & Training Complex), right next to Balance Dance Studios in the same parking lot.
GOOGLE MAP
Designed specifically for dance and live performance, Luxora Theater features professional lighting and sound, exceptional sightlines, comfortable seating, and a spacious lobby, creating an elevated experience for both performers and audiences. We’re excited to bring the magic of The Nutcracker to our new home and can’t wait for our families to experience this incredible venue together.
Learn more about Luxora Theater and explore the venue here.
SHOW ORDER & CALL TIMES
Call time means dancers are dressed in the first costume with hair and makeup completely done. Please respect the times listed. Checking in too early means volunteers and staff might not be ready to receive dancers and will result in you having to wait until the appropriate time.
Call Times & Show Order will be released as soon as they are finalized.
Tickets will be available for purchase in November for participating classes. More specific dates to come soon. Families should watch for an email from DRT Performance Tix (no-reply@drttix.com). If you do not see the email, please check your spam or junk folder before reaching out to the front desk.
Your email will include a unique, case-sensitive coupon code for the tickets included in your performance fee. This code is one-time use, so please be sure to select all included seats in a single order before completing checkout. Additional tickets may also be purchased.
Accessible Seating Assistance
Ushers will be available on site to assist guests needing accessible seating and escort them to their seats.
If your dancer performs in more than one recital showtime, you only need to purchase tickets for their earliest show. The same ticket may be used for all additional performances your dancer participates in that day, so there is no need to purchase separate tickets for each show.
The checklist below is intended as a general recital guide to help families prepare in advance. Please review all costume pieces, shoes, tights, and accessories ahead of recital weekend so your dancer arrives fully ready and organized.
Dance Shoes
Please make sure your dancer has the correct shoes for each class: Pink ballet slippers for girls, black ballet shoes for boys
Tights & Socks
Please confirm your dancer has the correct tights or socks for each costume, and check with your instructor to confirm what is required for your dancer’s class, as some classes may not require tights.
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Pink dance tights for ballet (purchased through the studio)
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Boys’ socks should match the color of their shoes or pants
Label Everything
Label all costume pieces and accessories with your dancer’s name or initials. Most costumes include interior tags that work well for labeling, and hair accessories or clips should also be marked whenever possible.
Multiple Costumes
If your dancer has more than one costume, place each costume on a hanger and label clearly with your dancer’s name and class.
Arrival Ready
Dancers should arrive checked in wearing their first costume, with any additional costumes neatly organized on labeled hangers. Hair and makeup should already be complete at arrival.
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Hair and makeup instructions specific to each class. Please review those details carefully and ensure your dancer arrives at the venue with hair fully styled, makeup complete, and ready for stage.
If no specific hairstyle is noted by the instructor, please follow these general recital guidelines:
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Girls: High, centered bun
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Boys: Hair neatly styled and secured with gel if needed
Hair should be secured firmly enough to stay in place through backstage movement and performance. Please bring extra bobby pins, hair ties, and any required hair accessories in case adjustments are needed.
Makeup should be stage-appropriate so facial expressions remain visible under recital lighting. A natural recital look typically includes foundation or powder, blush, mascara, and lipstick for girls, unless otherwise directed by your instructor.
Professional recital photos will be taken during dress rehearsal, so dancers should arrive fully prepared in costume, with hair and makeup complete, just as they would for performance day.
Dress rehearsal includes professionally lit posed portraits taken in costume, creating a special keepsake from the season which will be available for purchase. In addition, on-stage action photos from recital performances are provided to families at no additional cost as part of your performance fee.
Please make sure all costume pieces, shoes, tights, and accessories are brought to dress rehearsal so your dancer is fully photo-ready. Ordering information for posed portraits will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
Videography
Professional video will be captured during recital day and is included at no additional cost as part of your performance fee.
Video access will be made available here and emailed to participating families as soon as it is ready, typically within 3–6 weeks following show day. Please watch your inbox for viewing details and access information.
When you arrive at Luxora Theater, please follow signage to the Nutcracker check-in area. After check-in, dancers will be escorted backstage by our volunteers to their designated group.
For the safety and organization of all dancers, only approved volunteers and staff are permitted backstage before, during, or after the performance. Non-volunteer parents may not enter backstage areas, dressing rooms, or any space beyond the check-in area at any time.
If you are volunteering, please check in at your assigned volunteer time and proceed to your designated area to begin your responsibilities.
All dancers remain backstage for the full length of the show unless otherwise noted below.
Dress Rehearsal Check-Out
One parent will be allowed in the auditorium with their dancer and classes will sit together before being taken backstage when it is time for their class to go on stage. Parents will stay in the auditorium when their dancer’s class goes on stage. They may watch the rehearsal and take onstage photos at this time if they would like. Please be sure to have a bag to easily keep track of your dancer’s items and to make transitions more organized.
Show Day Check-Out
- All dancers must remain backstage for the duration of the show to participate in bows after the closing curtain.
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Dancers age 12 and older may check themselves out independently. Please make a clear meeting plan with your dancer before the show.
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Dancers age 11 and younger, including Dancers & Dreamers (ages 3–5), check out will happen at the same location where you checked your dancer in.
Important Notes
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Early check-out is not permitted. All dancers must remain until the end of the show unless specifically noted below.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this process helps create a smoother and safer recital experience for all families.
Thank you for helping us prepare for another magical season of The Nutcracker. We appreciate your partnership in making this production a memorable experience for every dancer. We can’t wait to share this beloved holiday tradition with our families and community as our dancers bring the magic of The Nutcracker to life on the stage at Luxora Theater.